Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara on Wednesday met with the leader of the opposition Henri Konan Bedie to try and calm the political tensions in the country.

Wednesday’s meeting came two days after President Ouattara invited Bedie for talks amid rising violence in the country which has forced thousands of Ivoirians to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

The opposition boycotted the 31 October election in protest over Ouattara’s participation as they claimed that he was not eligible to be on the ballot after serving two terms.

But Ouattara and his party argued that the incumbent was qualified after a referendum that ushered in a reformed constitution.

Wednesday’s meeting took place as key opposition figures remain in detention following their arrest over the formation of a parallel government to Ouattara’s.

But can the meeting between Ouattara and Bedie lead to the release of the detain opposition leaders and the restoration of the country?

Political analyst Felix Bony.